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Aviation History
1955
1955 - 1234.PDF
:*:•:.:* SIR W. G. ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH AIRCRAFT, LTD. baqinton, near Coventry, Warwick*. Telephone: Tollbar 2261 Meteor Night Fighter* Development of the Gloster Meteor single-seat day iatercepter into a two-seat radar-equipped night fighter was undertaken several years ago by Armstrong Whitworth. The first model, the N.F.I 1 of 1950, had the long-span wing of the photographic reconnaissance Meteor; a lengthened nose to house the radar; tandem cockpits, with an enclosure similar to that of the T.7 trainer; and the tail of the F.8 day fighter. The four 20 nun guns were transferred outboard of the nacelles. The N.F.I3 (chronologically the succeeding mark) was similar, but was equipped for overseas operation; and the N.F.12, which materialized in April 1953, had a lengthened nose, housing improved radar, and a faired tail "bullet," which effectively increased fin area. The N.F.14, tested late in 1953, is a similar machine but has a wholly new dear-view cockpit enclosure and other refinements. A ventral fuel tank of 180 gallons capacity is normally carried, and two under-wing tanks of 100 gallons each are optional. Meteor night fighters have been used for the experimental launching of guided missiles, and the type will remain as the standard R.A.F. night fighter until the introduction of the Gloster Javelin. Other countries supplied are France, Belgium and Denmark. Sea Hawk The Sea Hawk, a Hawker-designed carrier-borne fighter developed from the P.1040 (Hawker's first jet) has been extensively produced and developed by Armstrong Whit- worth, both for the Royal Navy and under NATO off-shore contracts. The latest variant is the F.G.A.4, which has attachments for underwing bombs, rockets and other offensive stores, in addition to the built-in armament of four 20 mm guns. The F.G.A.4 has powered ailerons and is an exceedingly popular machine among pilots of the Fleet Air Arm by reason of its docility, comfort and quietness. In recent months a Sea Hawk has been flying at BittesweU equipped wkh vortex generators on the tailplane to ascertain the longitudinal stability characteristics at high Mach numbers. This research is being undertaken to raise the maximum speed—at present about 630 m.p.h. The Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet, of some 5,000 Ib thrust, is installed amidships and takes in air through wing-root intakes. A unique feature is the bifurcation of the outlet. A sting-type deck-arrester hook is fitted, and the wings are power- folded from a point slightly outboard of the intakes. It may be mentioned here that large quantities of Sapphire-powered Hawker Hunters (see page 372) are also being produced by Armstrong Whitworth. Prone-pilot Meteor To investigate the possibilities of a prone piloting position a Meteor F.8 has been converted by Armstrong Whitworth to' incorporate this feature in a special elongated nose. Aft is a normal cockpit with a "safety" pilot. The prone-pilot Meteor has flown extensively both from Baginton and Farnborough, and is affording invaluable experience of pilot reactions to high accelerations. r\ Power Plant Tn RaSs-Royce DcrwcalSpan 43fi Length 49ft 11 mGross weight 20,000 lb appro* Max. Speed 590 m.p.h. approx. Above, Meteor N.F.14 Below, Sea Hawke F.G.A.4 Power Plant SpanLength Rolls-Royce Neai 39fi40fi
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